AM voices police cut concerns

Concerns about cuts in local police services are being taken to the Dyfed Powys chief constable by Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson.
She says that neighbourhood policing is under threat as cost savings are made across the force and is meeting chief constable Ian Arundale to discuss the issue.
Mrs Watson said: “Bobbies on the beat make us all feel safer in our homes and communities. Yet one of the first acts of the new UK government coalition was to slash the police budget for this year. This year they plan to cut costs equivalent to the salaries of 31 constables across the Dyfed Powys area, with proposed further cuts equivalent to between 475 to 760 constables in years to come.”
She added: “As a former member of the Dyfed Powys Police Authority I know that neighbourhood policing relies on having policing teams on our streets protecting our communities, fighting crime and listening to residents’ concerns.
“While everyone recognises that the national deficit must be reduced, safety has to come first. Frontline policing should be prioritised. Fewer police and PCSOs will mean higher crime rates and more dangerous streets.”